Based in Montréal, Canada, the Alaya String Quartet is comprised of four young women studying at l'Université de Montréal. The quartet is currently coached by Johanne Perron and Jutta Puchhammer-Sédillot. The quartet was founded in 2004 as the Cadenza String Quartet. The original members were violinists Olga Rykov and Brenna Hardy-Kavanagh, violist Shasta Ellenbogen and cellist Sonya Matoussova. Together they recorded a successful demo CD and won the James Rattray Wilson Trophy for their performance of the Adagio from Samuel Barber's String Quartet at the Ottawa Kiwanis Music Festival. In 2005, the quartet welcomed violinist Siobhan Deshauer and violist Emilie Grimes. Their performance of Antonin Dvorak's String Quartet No.12 "America" earned them the opportunity to compete in the Kiwanis Music Festival Provincial Finals. The Cadenza String Quartet performed their first full-length recital program in June 2006, with string quartets by Dvorak and Mozart. Thus began a tradition of spring concerts. In 2007, their recital program included works by Shostakovich and Smetana. 2008 has brought many changes for the ensemble. Under their new name, the Alaya String Quartet, they begin the season by welcoming their newest member, violinist Sheila Jaffé. Exciting plans for the coming year include competitions, concerts in Ottawa and Montreal, and studio sessions for a new demo CD.